Recently I listed a nice Victor VI on eBay, together with a repro cabinet:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161110761993?ssPageName=STRK:MEUSX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1560.l2649.
The record cabinet was stated to be a reproduction. The buyer is very upset, claiming the V6 phonograph casing is a Peruvian reproduction as well, which I have proved to him is not the case. In fact, I displayed this beauty at Union and not a single dealer or collector disputed its' originality.
We are all temporary custodians of this stuff, and at this stage I doubt if there are any more "original owners" out there. So, information regarding provenance, originality, etc., must be respected and passed down from owner to owner. In this case, the previous owner (a well respected collector/dealer) advised me that it was not a repro, had been in his possession for 10 years or more, restored by him, etc. I also contacted Eduardo in Peru and he pointed out to me a number of reasons why it was an original cabinet and definitely not one of his concoctions.
In any event, I have offered the buyer a full refund (including shipping costs), which he has declined, but it seems he is determined to be unhappy with his purchase.
I read the Forum daily to learn about phonographs and collectors (equally important pieces of the business equation). Can any of you enlighten me as to what a dealer such as myself can do to prevent such misunderstandings? Or how much further I can go to prove "originality"?
thanks, Raphael